Arnold Herrera

TRIBE: Cochiti Pueblo

MEDIUM: Drummaker

LOCATION: Albuquerque, New Mexico

According to Pueblo de Cochiti tribal member Ramus Suina who nominated him, "Mr. Herrera's knowledge and expertise in drum making is being sought after by many native people as well as the public who want to learn more about the trade, the history, the holistic approach and the meaning of traditional Pueblo arts that he instructs with such altruism."

Arnold is a second generation drum maker who uses Aspen wood and handmade tools for shaping. He is an enrolled member of Cochiti Pueblo, a Keresan-speaking village located on the Rio Grande in the north central part of New Mexico. Arnold believes that the drum is the "Heartbeat of Mother Earth, highly respected and revered for that reason. He says "if one believes in the spiritual nature of the drum, then the miracle and the prayers are heard." For the past ten years Arnold has been holding workshops which include storytelling, drumming and singing, and his is recognized for his positive impact on others. He states, "In our Pueblo world, the need to learn and teach our youth becomes greater as the Creator calls our elders home to paradise. I will continue the path of sharing".